U.S. patent application number 15/868762 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-19 for cycling computer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wahoo Fitness LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Wahoo Fitness LLC. Invention is credited to Shane A. Byler, Harold M. Hawkins, III, Dimitris Katsanis, Jose R. Mendez, Stacy C. Perlis, William C. Phelps, III.
Application Number | 20180203488 15/868762 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 62841387 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180203488 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hawkins, III; Harold M. ; et
al. |
July 19, 2018 |
CYCLING COMPUTER
Abstract
A cycling computer includes a housing for enclosing an
electronics package and a mount for removably securing the housing
to the front of a bicycle. The housing has a wedge-shaped profile
defined by a leading edge and a lower front surface extending
rearward and downward to a bottom surface. The computer mount
includes a cradle for removably receiving the housing. A bracket
arm extends between the cradle and a mounting adapter which is used
to connect to a handlebar or otherwise. The cradle further includes
a curved underside surface extending rearward from a forward edge
that is sized and shaped to align with the lower front surface of
the computer housing to form a substantially smooth and continuous
aerodynamic surface from the leading edge of the computer housing
to a rear edge of the cradle.
Inventors: |
Hawkins, III; Harold M.;
(Atlanta, GA) ; Mendez; Jose R.; (Columbus,
OH) ; Perlis; Stacy C.; (Atlanta, GA) ; Byler;
Shane A.; (Mableton, GA) ; Phelps, III; William
C.; (Lawrenceville, GA) ; Katsanis; Dimitris;
(Nottingham, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wahoo Fitness LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Wahoo Fitness LLC
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
62841387 |
Appl. No.: |
15/868762 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62446098 |
Jan 13, 2017 |
|
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|
62507020 |
May 16, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/1632 20130101;
G06F 1/1626 20130101; B62J 45/20 20200201; G06F 1/1637 20130101;
B62J 11/00 20130101; B62J 99/00 20130101; G06F 1/1656 20130101;
H05K 5/0204 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/16 20060101
G06F001/16; H05K 5/02 20060101 H05K005/02; B62J 11/00 20060101
B62J011/00 |
Claims
1. A cycling computer for mounting to the front of a bicycle, the
cycling computer comprising: a computer housing for enclosing and
protecting an electronics package, the computer housing including:
a front end having a wedge-shaped profile defined by a leading edge
and a lower front surface extending rearward and downward from the
leading edge to a bottom surface of the computer housing; and a
first coupling member formed into the bottom surface of the
computer housing; and a computer mount having a mounting adapter at
a proximal end for coupling to the front of the bicycle, a cradle
at a distal end for removably receiving the computer housing, and a
bracket arm extending between the mounting adapter and the cradle,
the cradle including: a second coupling member formed into an upper
side of the cradle and engageable with the first coupling member to
removably secure the computer housing to the cradle; and a curved
underside surface extending rearward from a forward edge that is
sized and shaped to align with the lower front surface of the
computer housing and form a substantially smooth and continuous
aerodynamic surface from the leading edge of the computer housing
to a rear edge of the cradle when the computer housing is secured
within the cradle.
2. The cycling computer of claim 1, wherein an underside surface of
the bracket arm is curved and complementary with the underside
surface of the cradle to extend the substantially smooth and
continuous aerodynamic surface from the leading edge of the
computer housing to a trailing edge of the computer mount.
3. The cycling computer of claim 1, wherein the lower front surface
extends rearward and downward beyond the bottom surface of the
housing to form a downwardly-projecting underside ridge with a
backside face.
4. The cycling computer of claim 3, wherein the forward edge of the
cradle is sized and shaped to be complementary with the backside
face of the underside ridge.
5. The cycling computer of claim 4, wherein the forward edge of the
cradle further comprises a blunted edge having a thickness that is
complementary with a height of the backside face of the underside
ridge.
6. The cycling computer of claim 3, wherein the first coupling
member is a male coupler and the second coupling member is a female
receiver, with the male coupler being inserted into the female
receiver and the computer housing rotated into locked engagement
with the cradle.
7. The cycling computer of claim 6, wherein both the forward edge
of the cradle and the backside face of the underside ridge are
curved for complementary slidable engagement therebetween during
rotation of the computer housing into locked engagement with the
cradle.
8. The cycling computer of claim 3, wherein the underside ridge of
the computer housing is substantially level with a lower plane
defined by a bottom surface of the handlebar.
9. The cycling computer of claim 1, wherein the wedge-shaped
profile of the front end is further defined by an upper front facet
surface and a lower front facet surface.
10. The cycling computer of claim 9, wherein the sides of the
computer housing include a faceted side edge profile having at
least an upper side facet surface that merges smoothly with the
upper front facet surface, and a lower side facet surface that
merges smoothly with the lower front facet surface.
11. The cycling computer of claim 1, wherein an interface between
the lower front surface of the computer housing and the forward
edge of the cradle defines a joint that extends from side-to-side
of the computer housing.
12. The cycling computer of claim 11, wherein the joint between the
lower front surface of the computer housing and the forward edge of
the cradle is located between the front and back ends of the
computer housing.
13. The cycling computer of claim 1, wherein the mounting adapter
further comprises a coupling ring configured to clamp around a
substantially-horizontal portion of a handlebar with the computer
mount in an orientation that supports and secures the computer
housing in front of the handlebars, and wherein the leading edge of
the computer housing is positioned at a height between an upper
plane defined by a top surface of the handlebar and a lower plane
defined by a bottom surface of the handlebar.
14. The cycling computer of claim 13, wherein the computer mount is
rotatable around the handlebar through a range of at least about
six degrees while maintaining the height of the leading edge
between the upper plane and the lower plane in front of the
handlebars to provide a range of favorable viewing angles.
15. The cycling computer of claim 13, wherein the bracket arm is
offset to one side of the cradle to enable positioning of the
computer housing in front of the center of the handlebars.
16. The cycling computer of claim 15, further comprising a
continuously curved transition section between the cradle and the
offset bracket arm.
17. The cycling computer of claim 1, wherein the computer housing
includes an electronic display formed into a top surface
thereof.
18. A cycling computer for mounting to the front of a bicycle, the
cycling computer comprising: a computer housing for enclosing and
protecting an electronics package and having an electronic display
formed into a top surface thereof, the housing including: a front
end having a faceted leading edge profile defined by an upper facet
surface and a lower facet surface, the lower facet surface
extending rearward and downward beyond a bottom surface of the
housing to form a projecting underside ridge with a backside face;
and a first coupling member extending downward from the bottom
surface of the computer housing behind the underside ridge; and a
computer mount having a mounting adapter at a proximal end for
coupling to the front of the bicycle, a cradle at a distal end for
removably receiving the computer housing, and a bracket arm
extending between the mounting adapter and the cradle, the cradle
including: a forward edge sized and shaped to be complementary with
the backside face of the underside ridge; a curved underside
surface extending rearward from the forward edge; and a second
coupling member behind the forward edge and engageable with the
first coupling member to removably secure the computer housing to
the cradle, wherein the lower facet surface of the computer housing
and the underside surface of the cradle align to form a
substantially smooth and continuous aerodynamic surface from the
leading edge of the computer housing to a rear edge of the cradle
when the computer housing is secured within the cradle.
19. The cycling computer of claim 18, wherein an underside surface
of the bracket arm is curved and complementary with the underside
surface of the cradle to extend the substantially smooth and
continuous aerodynamic surface from the leading edge of the
computer housing to a trailing edge of the computer mount.
20. The cycling computer of claim 18, wherein side surfaces of the
computer housing taper continuously outwardly from the front end to
the back end.
21. The cycling computer of claim 18, wherein the mounting adapter
further comprises a coupling ring configured to clamp around a
substantially-horizontal portion of a handlebar with the computer
mount in an orientation that supports and secures the computer
housing in front of the handlebars, and wherein the computer mount
is rotatable around the handlebar through a range of at least about
six degrees while maintaining a height of the leading edge between
an upper plane defined by a top surface of the handlebar and a
lower plane defined by a bottom surface of the handlebar.
22. A cycling computer for mounting to the front of a bicycle, the
cycling computer comprising: a computer housing for enclosing and
protecting an electronics package, the computer housing including a
first coupling member formed into a bottom surface of the computer
housing; a computer mount having a mounting adapter at a proximal
end for coupling to the front of the bicycle, a cradle at a distal
end for removably receiving the computer housing, and a bracket arm
extending between the mounting adapter and the cradle, the cradle
including a second coupling member formed into an upper side of the
cradle and engageable with the first coupling member to initially
couple the computer housing to the cradle; and a fastening
mechanism interconnected between the computer housing and the
computer mount, the fastening mechanism fixedly secure the computer
housing to the computer mount.
23. The cycling computer of claim 22 wherein: the computer housing
comprises a front end having wedge-shaped profile defined by a
leading edge and a lower front surface extending rearward and
downward from the leading edge to the bottom surface of the
computer housing; and the computer mount comprises a curved
underside surface extending rearward from a forward edge that is
sized and shaped to align with the lower front surface of the
computer housing and form a substantially smooth and continuous
aerodynamic surface from the leading edge of the computer housing
to a rear edge of the cradle when the computer housing is secured
within the cradle.
24. The cycling computer of claim 23 wherein: the computer housing
defines a threaded aperture; the computer mount defines an open
aperture aligned with the threaded aperture when the computer
housing is secured with the computer mount by way of the first
coupling member and the second coupling member; and the fastening
mechanism comprises a screw extending through the open aperture and
engaged within the threaded aperture.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a non-provisional application and
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to provisional
application No. 62/446,098 titled "Cycling Computer," filed Jan.
13, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The present
application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to
provisional application No. 62/507,020 titled "Cycling Computer,"
filed May 16, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to cycling
computers, cycling computer housings, and apparatus for mounting
cycling computers to bicycles.
SUMMARY
[0003] Briefly described, one embodiment of the present disclosure
comprises a cycling computer that includes a computer housing for
enclosing and protecting an electronics package, and a computer
mount for securing the computer housing to the front of a bicycle.
The computer housing further comprises a front end having a
wedge-shaped profile that is defined by a leading edge and a lower
front surface extending rearward and downward from the leading edge
to a bottom surface of the computer housing, and a first coupling
member formed into or extending from the bottom surface of the
computer housing. The computer mount, in turn, further comprises a
cradle at a distal end for removably receiving the computer
housing, a mounting adapter at a proximal end for coupling to the
front of the bicycle, and a bracket arm extending between the
cradle and the mounting adapter. The cradle includes a second
coupling member formed into an upper side of the cradle and
engageable with the first coupling member to removably secure the
computer housing to the cradle, and a curved underside surface
extending rearward from a forward edge that is sized and shaped to
align with the lower front surface of the computer housing and form
a substantially smooth and continuous aerodynamic surface from the
leading edge of the computer housing to a rear edge of the cradle
when the computer housing is secured within the cradle.
[0004] Another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a
cycling computer that includes a computer housing for enclosing and
protecting an electronics package, and a computer mount for
securing the computer housing to the front of a bicycle. The
computer housing further comprises a front end having a faceted
leading edge profile defined by an upper facet surface and a lower
facet surface, with the lower facet surface extending rearward and
downward beyond a bottom surface of the housing to form a
projecting underside ridge with a backside face, and a first
coupling member extending downward from the bottom surface of the
computer housing behind the underside ridge. The computer mount, in
turn, further comprises a mounting adapter at a proximal end for
coupling to the front of the bicycle, a cradle at a distal end for
removably receiving the computer housing, and a bracket arm
extending between the mounting adapter and the cradle. The cradle
includes a forward edge sized and shaped to be complementary with
the backside face of the underside ridge, a curved underside
surface extending rearward from the forward edge, and a second
coupling member behind the forward edge and engageable with the
first coupling member to removably secure the computer housing to
the cradle. In addition, the lower facet surface of the computer
housing and the underside surface of the cradle align to form a
substantially smooth and continuous aerodynamic surface from the
leading edge of the computer housing to a rear edge of the cradle
when the computer housing is secured within the cradle.
[0005] Yet another embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a
cycling computer that includes a computer housing for enclosing and
protecting an electronics package, and a computer mount for fixedly
securing the computer housing to the front of a bicycle. The
computer housing comprises a first coupling member formed into a
bottom surface of the computer housing, while the computer mount
comprises a cradle at a distal end for removably receiving the
computer housing, a mounting adapter at a proximal end for coupling
to the front of the bicycle, and a bracket arm extending between
the cradle and the mounting adapter. The cradle includes a second
coupling member formed into an upper side of the cradle and
engageable with the first coupling member to initially the computer
housing to the cradle. The cycling computer further includes a
fastening mechanism interconnected between the computer housing and
the computer mount to fixedly secure the computer housing to the
computer mount.
[0006] The invention will be better understood upon review of the
detailed description set forth below taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawing figures, which are briefly described as
follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a rear topside perspective view of a cycling
computer, in accordance with a representative embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the cycling computer of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a rear topside perspective view of the isolated
computer housing for the cycling computer of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of the computer housing of FIG. 3.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a front underside perspective view of the computer
housing of FIG. 3.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a top view of the computer housing of FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the computer housing of FIG.
3.
[0014] FIG. 8 is another side view of the computer housing of FIG.
3.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a front end view of the computer housing of FIG.
3.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a front topside perspective view of the isolated
computer mount for the cycling computer of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a front view of the computer mount of FIG.
10.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the computer mount of FIG.
10.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a side view of the assembled cycling computer of
FIG. 1 with the computer housing mounted to the cradle portion of
the computer mount.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a top view of the assembled cycling computer of
FIG. 13.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the assembled cycling computer
of FIG. 13.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a front side view of the assembled cycling
computer of FIG. 13.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a side schematic view of the assembled and
upwardly-angled cycling computer of FIG. 13 illustrating the
airflow around the apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a close-up side schematic view of a CFD
(Computational Fluid Dynamics) study of the assembled cycling
computer of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a close-up side schematic view of a CFD study of
a competing cycling computer.
[0026] FIG. 20 is an expanded side schematic view of the CFD study
of FIG. 18 of the assembled cycling computer of the present
disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 21 is an expanded side schematic view of the CFD study
of FIG. 19 of a competing cycling computer.
[0028] Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand
that, according to common practice, various features and elements
of the drawings described above are not necessarily drawn to scale,
and that the dimensions of the various features and elements may be
expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of
the present disclosure described therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following description, in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings described above, is provided as an enabling
teaching of exemplary embodiments of a cycling computer alone or in
combination with a computer mount for mounting the cycling computer
to a bicycle, such as to the handlebar of a bicycle, although it
may also be used with other mobile devices such as scooters,
mopeds, motorcycles, e-bikes, etc. The housing of the cycling
computer itself includes features that provide aerodynamic
advantages. Further, the cycling computer, when coupled with the
computer mount, collectively provides aerodynamic advantage.
Moreover, the cycling computer or cycling computer housing may also
be mounted in a position and/or orientation that minimizes
aerodynamic resistance and reduces drag while cycling, while
providing such advantages over a range of orientations or favorable
viewing angles suitable to individual riders for improved viewing
ergonomics and readability of a computer display located at the top
surface of the cycling computer housing. As described herein, these
and other advantages of the cycling computer can provide several
significant advantages and benefits over other cycling computer
designs available in the art. However, the recited advantages are
not meant to be limiting in any way, as one skilled in the art will
appreciate that other advantages may also be realized upon
practicing the present disclosure.
[0030] Furthermore, those skilled in the relevant art will also
recognize that changes can be made to the described embodiments
while still obtaining the beneficial results. It will further be
apparent that some of the advantages and benefits of the described
embodiments can be obtained by selecting some of the features of
the embodiments without utilizing other features, and that features
from one embodiment may be combined with features from other
embodiments in any appropriate combination. For example, any
individual or collective features of method embodiments may be
applied to apparatus, product or system embodiments, and vice
versa. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that
many modifications and adaptations to the embodiments described are
possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances, and
are a part of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is
provided as an illustration of the principles of the embodiments
and not in limitation thereof, since the scope of the invention is
to be defined by the claims.
[0031] Referring now in more detail to the drawing figures, wherein
like parts are identified with like reference numerals throughout
the several views, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate one embodiment of the
cycling computer 10 (also referred to herein as a cycling computer
apparatus) having an integrated aerodynamic shape that can minimize
the aerodynamic resistance and drag, when mounted to the front of
the bicycle, that is created by the cycling computer 10 during a
bike ride. The cycling computer 10 comprises a computer housing 20
for enclosing and protecting an electronics package of the
bicycling computer, and which computer housing generally includes
an electronic display 24 formed into a top surface 22 thereof. The
cycling computer 10 further comprises a computer mount 50, such as
"Out Front" mount 54, having a mounting adapter 60 at a proximal
end 52 for coupling to the front of the bicycle, a substantially
horizontal cradle 70 at a distal end 58 for removably receiving the
computer housing 20, and a bracket arm 64 extending between the
mounting adapter 60 and the cradle 70. The bottom surface of the
computer housing 20 can be removably received within or attached to
the top of the cradle 70 to secure the computer housing 20 in a
locked and `in-use" position within the cradle, with a front end 30
extending forwardly from the distal end 58 of the computer mount,
and out in front of the handlebars, so that a faceted leading edge
32 of the computer housing 20 can be the foremost leading edge for
the bicycle frame or body.
[0032] As shown in more detail in FIGS. 3-9, the computer housing
20 can comprise a multi-faceted and wedge-shaped aerodynamic body
made from molded hard plastic or similar material that can provide
a rigid, sturdy, and shock-resistant enclosure for the electronics
package and display 24 contained therein. A majority portion of the
top surface 22 of the computer housing 20 can comprise a
transparent cover for the electronic display 24 of the electronics
package that is configured for easy visibility for the bike rider
during a bike ride. In one aspect the computer housing 20 can
further include push buttons 26 formed into the top surface 20 and
side surfaces 46 that allow for adjustment of the display, as well
as a number of LED indicators 28 that may be used to convey
additional useful information to the rider. The display may also be
a touch screen display.
[0033] The front end 30 of the computer housing 20 can provide an
aerodynamic wedge-shaped and/or faceted leading edge profile 32
defined by an upper facet surface 34 that extends rearward and
upward to the top surface 22, and a lower facet surface 36 that
extends rearward and downward to the bottom surface 44 of the
computer housing. As provided in the illustrated embodiment of the
computer housing 20, in one aspect the faceted leading edge profile
32 can further include a thin, front edge or center facet 33
between the upper facet surface 34 and the lower facet surface 36,
and which can be continuously curved around the front end 30 of the
computer housing to define the leading edge 32. It will be
appreciated, however, that a variety of different aerodynamic
faceted profiles for the leading edge are also possible and may be
considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0034] As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, in one embodiment the lower
facet surface 36 can extend downward beyond the level of the bottom
surface 44 of the computer housing 20 to form a downward projecting
underside ridge 40 with a backside face 42. A first coupling member
48 can also be formed with and/or extend downward from the bottom
surface 44 of the housing 20 behind the underside ridge 42. As
discussed in more detail below, the first coupling member 48 can be
configured to engage a second coupling member formed into the top
side 74 or surface of the cradle 70 to removably secure the
computer housing 20 to the cradle 70 of the computer mount 50. In
one aspect the two coupling members can form a rotary-type
attachment system in which the first coupling member 48 rotatably
engages with the second coupling member by pivoting around an axis
of rotation located at the center point 49 of the first coupling
member 48. Accordingly, in embodiments of the computer housing 20
having both an underside ridge 40 and a rotary-type attachment
system, the backside face 42 of the underside ridge 40 can also be
formed into the shaped of a curve or partial arc that is centered
around same center point 49 of the first coupling member 48.
Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments the
lower facet surface can curve directly into the bottom surface of
the housing without extending below the level the bottom surface to
form an underside ridge 42.
[0035] Also shown in FIGS. 3-9 are the sides 46 of the computer
housing 20 that can continuously taper laterally outward from the
front end 30 to the back end 38 to form an aerodynamic wedge-shaped
body that can reduce the wind resistance and drag as the cycling
computer is driven forwardly through the air in front of the
bicycle. Moreover, the sides 46 of the computer housing 20 can also
have faceted side edge profiles, and in one aspect can have upper
side facet surfaces 35 that merge smoothly (e.g. with rounded edges
or corners) with the upper front facet surface 34, and lower side
facet surfaces 37 that merge smoothly with the lower front facet
surface 36 extending rearward and downward from the leading edge
profile 32. In some embodiments the faceted side edges 46 can
further include center facet surfaces 39 between the upper side
facet surfaces 35 and the lower side facet surfaces 37 that merge
smoothly with the front edge or center facet 33. As indicated
above, the corners, edges, and transitions between facet surfaces
can be rounded or smoothly curved so as enhance low-friction
laminar airflow around the computer housing 20, while at the same
time reducing or minimizing any sharp directional changes in the
laminar airflow that would lead to increased aerodynamic resistance
and/or separation of the airflow from the computer housing 20 with
the potential for increased aerodynamic drag.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 10-12, the computer mount 50 of the
cycling computer can have a proximal end 52 nearest to the rider of
the bicycle, and a distal end 58 extending forwardly and away from
the rider. The computer mount 50 can further include a mounting
adapter 60 at the proximal end 52 for coupling to the front of the
bicycle, a substantially horizontal cradle 70 at the distal end 58
for removably receiving the computer housing 70, and a bracket arm
64 extending between the mounting adapter 60 and the cradle 70. As
known to one skilled in the art of bicycle riding, this type of
computer mount 50 may be referred to as an "Out Front" mount 54 for
positioning the cycling computer out in front of the frame or
handlebars of the bicycle. In addition, the bracket arm 64 can
include a continuously-curved transition section that extends from
one side of cradle 70 so as to locate the mounting adapter 60 in an
offset position relative to the cradle, thereby enabling the
positioning of the computer housing 20 in front of the stem or
center of the handlebars.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment the mounting adapter 60 at the
proximal end 52 of the computer mount 50 can comprise a coupling
ring 62 for coupling around a substantially horizontal portion of a
tubular handlebar. However, it is contemplated that other types of
mounting adapters may also be used, including but not limited to
those that may secure the computer mount 50 to the head tube of the
bicycle frame, to the stem, or a split design with spaced apart
coupling rings to secure the computer mount 50 to the handlebars on
both side of the stem, and the like, all of which are considered to
fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment the cradle 70 can extend
forwardly from the bracket arm 64 in a substantially horizontal
orientation with a top side 74 or surface with a second coupling
member 78 formed therein that is configured to couple with the
first coupling member 48 extending downward from the bottom surface
44 of the computer housing 20, so as to removably secure the
computer housing 20 to the cradle 70. The horizontal cradle 70 can
further include a curved underside surface 76 extending rearward
from a forward edge 72 that is sized and shaped to be
complementary, in some embodiments, with the backside face 42 of
the underside ridge 40. For instance, in some aspects the forward
edge 72 can comprise a blunted edge having a thickness that is
complementary with a height of the backside face 42 of the
underside ridge 40. In other embodiments where the computer housing
does not include an underside ridge (not shown), the forward edge
of the cradle can be sized and shaped to directly align with the
lower facet surface as it curves into the bottom surface. With each
design, moreover, the forward edge 72 and/or underside surface 76
of the cradle 70 can be configured to align with the lower facet
surface 36 of the computer housing 20 to form a substantially
smooth and continuous aerodynamic surface 80 (FIG. 13) that extends
from the leading edge of the computer housing to at least the rear
edge 77 of the cradle 70 when the computer housing is secured
within the cradle.
[0039] It is contemplated that other orientations for the cradle 70
may be possible, particularly if the coupling member of the
computer housing were to extend from a surface of the computer
housing other than the bottom surface, such as, for instance, one
of the side surfaces. In these embodiments the forward edge of the
cradle, whether vertical, horizontal, or tilted, may also be
configured to align with a rearward-extending front or side surface
of the computer housing to form a substantially smooth and
continuous aerodynamic surface that extends from the leading edge
of the computer housing to at least the rear edge of the cradle
when the computer housing is secured within the cradle.
[0040] As described above, the two coupling members can form a
rotary-type attachment system in which the first coupling member 48
rotatably engages with the second coupling member 78. It will be
appreciated, however, that other types of coupling members and
systems for removably securing the computer housing 20 to the
computer mount 50 are also possible, including but not limited to
linear vertical mechanical engagement, linear lateral mechanical
engagement, magnetic engagement, and the like, all of which may be
considered to fall within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0041] In one aspect the first coupling member 48 can be a male
coupler that is fixed to or integral with the computer housing 20,
and the second coupling member 78 can be a female receiver that is
formed into or integral with the cradle 70. In this embodiment the
male coupler 48 can be inserted into the female receiver 78, with
the entire computer housing 20 then being rotated into mechanical
locking engagement with the cradle 70. Furthermore, with coupling
designs in which the entire computer housing 20 is rotated into
locking engagement with the cradle 70, both the forward edge 72 of
the cradle 70 and the backside face 42 of the underside ridge 40
can also be curved so that the two surfaces can enter into
complementary slidable engagement during rotation of the computer
housing 20 into a locking engagement with the top surface 74 of the
cradle 70. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, this can result in an
uninterrupted and smooth joint 82 between the lower facet surface
36 of the computer housing 20 and the underside surface 76 of the
cradle 70 that maintains a substantially smooth or laminar flow of
air along the underside of the cycling computer.
[0042] FIGS. 13-17 illustrate the mounted cycling computer 10 with
the computer housing 20 being rotating into locked engagement with
the cradle 70, so that the lower facet surface 36 of the computer
housing 20 and the underside surface 76 of the cradle 70 align to
form a substantially smooth and continuous aerodynamic surface 80
from the leading edge 32 of the computer housing to a rear edge 77
of the cradle. This surface 80 can contribute to an overall
integrated aerodynamic shape that can minimize the aerodynamic
resistance and drag that is created by the cycling computer 10
during a bike ride. Also shown in the figures, the underside
surface 66 of the bracket arm 64 can also be curved and
complementary with the underside surface 76 of the cradle 70, so as
to extend the substantially smooth and continuous aerodynamic
surface 80, in one aspect, from the leading edge 32 of the computer
housing 20 to the lower trailing edge 67 of the computer mount 50.
As described above, in one aspect the interface between the lower
facet surface 36 and the forward edge 72 of the cradle 70 can
define a joint 82 that extends across the width of the computer
housing 20 or from side-to-side 46 of the computer housing 20.
Moreover, the joint 82 can generally be located between the front
end 30 and the back end 38 of the computer housing.
[0043] In addition to the above advantages, the smooth and
continuous underside surface 80 that extends from the leading edge
32 of the computer housing 20 to the rear edge 77 of the cradle 70
can allow for adjustment in the pitch or angle-of-attack of the
cycling computer 10 relative to the handlebars and frame of the
bicycle. For instance, it will be appreciated that the top surface
22 of the computer housing 20 can be angularly rotated from a
substantially horizontal orientation (FIGS. 2, 13) to an angular
orientation that is at least 6 degrees or more above horizontal
(FIG. 17) without negatively affecting the improved aerodynamics
provided by the cycling computer 10. This flexibility can provide
for a substantial range of angular adjustment 86 for meeting a
particular rider's set-up preferences for a favorable view angle
with improved ergonomics and readability of the computer display 24
that can be located at the top surface 22 of the computer housing
20, without sacrificing the improved aerodynamic performance.
[0044] Also shown in FIG. 17, in one aspect the front edge 33 or
center facet of the leading edge profile 32 can be positioned at a
height that is between an upper plane 94 defined by the top surface
92 of the handlebar 90 and a lower plane 98 defined by the bottom
surface 96 of the handlebar, so that the front edge 33 does not
rise above or extend below a forwardly-extending zone defined by
the thickness or diameter of the handlebars. Moreover, the computer
mount 50 can also be rotatable around the handlebar 90 through a
range of angles 86 or angular orientations up to about 6 degrees,
while maintaining the height of the leading edge 33 between the
upper plane 94 and the lower plane 94 in front of the handlebars so
as to provide a range of favorable viewing angles.
[0045] FIGS. 18 and 19 provide a comparison in aerodynamic
performance between the cycling computer 10 of the present
disclosure (FIG. 18) and competing cycling computer 15 available in
the art (FIG. 19). For example, when tested under identical
conditions the competing cycling computer 15 generates a zone 17 of
aerodynamic resistance or drag coming off the leading edge of the
computer housing that is more intense (i.e. darker in the figures)
than a comparable zone 12 coming off the leading edge 32 of the
disclosed design 10.
[0046] A similar affect can be shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, which have
been expended to include the handlebars, stem and frame found at
the front of the bicycle. Although not easily visible in the
non-colored figures, the degree of aerodynamic resistance and drag
created by mounted cycling computers is significantly reduced with
the cycling computer 10 of the present disclosure. Indeed, it is
contemplated that aerodynamic coupling between the cycling computer
10 and the handlebars 90, when considered as a combined system, may
lead to increased beneficial affects. For instance, in one aspect
the under-slung design of the computer mount 50 can be used to
position the underside ridge 40 of the computer housing 20 at a
level that is substantially equal with the underside of the
handlebar 90, so that the laminar airflow around the apparatus can
be briefly directed downward by the smooth and continuous underside
surface 80 but then be allowed to curved back upwards toward the
handlebar before merging in a smooth and continuous manner with the
bulk air flowing across the underside of the handlebar, as shown in
FIG. 20. Likewise, the top surface 22 of the computer housing 20
can be positioned below the level of the topside of the handlebar
90, so that the re-directed airflow passing over the top of the
computer housing 20 can smoothly merge with the bulk air flowing
over the topside of the handlebar, also shown in FIG. 20.
[0047] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 7, 12 and 15, among others, in one
alternative embodiment the cycling computer 10 may further include
an additional fastening mechanism to fixedly secure or fasten the
computer housing 20 to the computer mount 50. In the example
illustrated, a screw 94 is shown with an attendant open aperture 90
in the computer mount (FIGS. 12, 15) and a threaded aperture 92
formed into the underside surface of the computer housing 20 (FIGS.
5, 7). It will be appreciated that the cycling computer 10 can
include 9 fastening mechanism in addition to the releasable
coupling mechanism involving the first coupling member 48 that is
twist locked to the mating second coupling member 78. Once rotated
into the operational position, the open aperture 90 and the
threaded aperture 92 align, and the screw 94 may be inserted
through the open aperture to engage the threaded aperture to
fixedly (non-removably) secure or fasten the computer housing 20 to
the computer mount 50. Other fixed coupling or fastening
arrangements (e.g., a fastening arrangement involving a member,
such as a screw, bolt, pin, or the like that would require a tool
to disconnect the member) are also possible. It will be further
understood that in various additional embodiments it is also
possible to have only a fixed fastening mechanism or only a twist
lock or other removable coupling mechanism.
[0048] In various cycling organizations, strict weight limits may
be placed on bicycles used in competition. For example, under
current USA cycling rules, for all road, cyclo-cross and track
events there is a minimum weight requirement of 6.8 kg (14.99 lb.).
Hence, any bicycle used in such competitions must weight 14.99 lbs.
or more. The rule states "[u]ltra-light road bikes and many track
bikes may weigh less than the minimum weight. These are not allowed
without adding additional weight to the bicycle to achieve the
minimum weight. Water bottles, tool bags, pumps and such items that
can simply be removed from the bike are not counted in the minimum
required weight." By fixedly securing the cycling computer to the
mount through the additional fastening mechanism, the cycling
computer assembly (computer and mount) may be counted in the
overall weight measurement in some organizations. While not
weighing particularly much, each ounce may count when ensuring a
bicycle is compliant with weigh limits. Conventional cycling
computers are typically only removably attached and there is no
supplemental fixed coupling or fastening mechanism. Unexpectedly,
having the computer integrally and permanently formed with the
bicycle may be important, particularly as overall bicycle weights
continue to be reduced despite the presence of strict racing weight
limits. Moreover, the fastening mechanism can also provide
additional security from theft as the computer housing cannot be
simply detached from the computer mount without a tool to remove
the screw.
[0049] As indicated above, the cycling computer of the present
disclosure has been described herein in terms of preferred
embodiments and methodologies considered by the inventor to
represent the best mode of carrying out the invention. It will be
understood by the skilled artisan, however, that a wide range of
additions, deletions, and modifications, both subtle and gross, may
be made to the illustrated and exemplary embodiments of the cycling
computer without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. These and other revisions might be made by those of
skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention that is constrained only by the following claims.
* * * * *